London to perform indie pop concert in Mac

Thursday

Feb 28, 2013 at 10:02 AMFeb 28, 2013 at 10:05 AM

It is difficult to take a bite from a fresh peach without making a mess.But taking that risk doesn’t matter to music artist Darrelle London. In fact, this approach to life is the inspiration for the title of her new album “Eat A Peach.”

By Jenae PaulsStaff Writer

It is difficult to take a bite from a fresh peach without making a mess.

But taking that risk doesn’t matter to music artist Darrelle London. In fact, this approach to life is the inspiration for the title of her new album “Eat A Peach.”

The emerging artist will play songs from the 2012 release, along with a number of other tunes, during her performance at 7 p.m. Saturday at the McPherson Opera House.

London said her album title is inspired by her favorite poem, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T. S. Eliot, which she describes as man questioning his life’s lack of risk.

“To me it meant he never took a bite out of something that was juicy or messy. He never left a mark, and he’s looking back on that with regret,” she said. “I really love that poem, and to me, this album is my attempt at putting a piece of myself out there and seeing what happens. So basically, my version of eating a peach.”

Her music, expressed through voice, piano and ukulele, describes events from her life, such as relationships and dreams. Specific topics include a bad first date and her desire to own an RV.

“I call it indie pop because it’s different than top 40 pop songs on the radio. It's something that's very accessible,” she said. “When I’m writing, I try to see the humor in situation and convey that in songs.”

That emotion has placed her on the radio throughout the country and allowed her to be named the Bell Emerging Artist for May 2012.

As she gains success and recognition, she looks forward to her live performances.

“I just kind of love the energy exchange with the audience,” she said. “I love putting out my energy in my songs, and when there's a connection made, I feel like I get energy back. It’s a really unique experience, and I only get it from performing.”

This is amplified especially when her audience tells her they could relate to a specific song or experience, for example, dating a musician.

“I tend to write about very specific experiences, so I don’t think many people will relate to it, but when they do, it’s a really neat feeling. That common human experience and relating to people in that way, I really enjoy that.”

London has performed for audiences in Kansas City, but has never played for a McPherson audience.

“I really like touring the Midwest. People are generally really supportive of arts and culture.

They also seem to be interested in checking out artists they’re not necessarily familiar with. As a emerging artist, I value that.”

Tickets for London's show are $22 for general admission, or $10 for students. Visit www.mcphersonoperahouse.org or call 620-241-1952.

Moving forward, London said her biggest goal now is connecting with her fans.

“The thing I’ve learned from all of the industry experience is that fans are really all that mattes. My focus is playing and getting my music heard as must as possible and fostering the relationships with fans because they are really the most important thing.”

Search for Darrelle London on Facebook or follow her @darrellelondon

Contact Jenae Pauls at jenae.pauls@mcphersonsentinel.com and follow her on Twitter @PaulsSentinel